A California jury has awarded more than $15 million to a Black city employee who said she endured years of racial discrimination, including being called an “entitled N-word” by her supervisor.
The unanimous verdict found the City of Fresno liable for creating a hostile work environment and retaliating against employee La-Kebbia Wilson, who worked in the city’s code enforcement department.
Wilson was awarded $15 million, while her co-plaintiff Charles Smith received $400,000 after supporting her claims and testifying during the trial.
Allegations of Workplace Racism
According to court testimony, Wilson accused her supervisor, Howard Lacy, of repeatedly using racist and degrading language toward her, including calling her “lazy” and a “piece of sh*t,” while also alleging she used her race for personal advantage…